Cheryl Kagan Announces Run for State Senate

Cheryl Kagan announced on Nov. 19 that she plans to run for the District 17 State Senate seat in 2014. Kagan is a Former state legislator and longtime Democratic activist, who represented District 17 (primarily Rockville and Gaithersburg) in the House of Delegates for eight years.

“We need an effective advocate who will work tirelessly to protect our values,” Kagan said. “In the Senate, I will speak up for our interests and for improving the quality of life in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and all of Montgomery County.”

Kagan, a Montgomery County native, represented the 17th legislative district from 1995 to 2003, when she chose not to run again. While in office, she earned a reputation as a hard-working, effective, and independent-minded leader who asked tough questions on behalf of her constituents.

In addition to her service in elective office, Cheryl Kagan has done legislative, political, and nonprofit work at the federal, state, and local levels.

Her campaign states Kagan has;

• lobbied to strengthen our federal gun control laws
• defended women’s reproductive rights
• supported the election of progressive, pro-choice Democrats
• as a foundation executive, has distributed more than $1,000,000 per year to local nonprofit organizations.

Kagan currently works as the Director of Community Engagement for BBYO, an international nonprofit organization helping to nurture and support Jewish teen leaders.

“My experience in the nonprofit sector has given me a deep understanding of how state policies in Annapolis affect our neighbors here in Montgomery County,” Kagan said. “By listening to the community and building coalitions, I’m confident that we can overcome our state’s challenges.”

She has served with civic organizations including the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, the Charter Review Commission, and Leadership Montgomery.

In 2010, Kagan’s energetic and competitive campaign for State Senate was called the “#1 Race to Watch” in all of Maryland. She finished with 48% of the vote.

“Over the past several months, I’ve been humbled by the tremendous number of people who have encouraged me to run for the State Senate. I am excited to continue these conversations on the campaign trail,” said former Delegate Kagan.

To learn more about Cheryl Kagan and her campaign, visit the Cheryl Kagan for State Senate website.